Iran: Lawyer and human rights defender Javad Alikordi arbitrarily arrested and detained
30 December 2025
The OIAD is deeply concerned about the arbitrary detention of lawyer Javad Alikordi, brother of the late lawyer Khosrow Alikordi. Javad Alikordi was arrested amid increased repression targeting his brother’s relatives and colleagues, who died in suspicious circumstances in early December 2025.
Javad Alikordi, whose long-standing commitment to fundamental rights has made him the target of reprisals by the Iranian authorities for more than 15 years, was seriously wounded by gunfire from security forces in 2009 while participating in a peaceful demonstration protesting the results of the presidential election. Since then, he has been subjected to multiple forms of judicial harassment in connection with his professional and activist activities.
On 1 March 2025, Javad Alikordi was arrested at his office in Mashhad and detained for “propaganda against the state”. He was released on 11 August 2025, under electronic surveillance and control by the authorities.
Javad Alikordi was summoned by the Mashhad Revolutionary Court on 10 December, following the death of his brother and colleague Khosrow Alikordi. On 12 December 2025, he was violently arrested by security forces at his workplace, a few hours after publicly denouncing the repression carried out during the memorial ceremony organised in tribute to his brother. He is now being prosecuted for “gathering and collusion against national security” and “propaganda against the state” and is reportedly being held in solitary confinement.
The same day, security forces violently arrested dozens of people during the commemoration in Mashhad (including many lawyers, activists and civil society figures). At least 39 people were reportedly arrested, several of whom were denied access to a lawyer, held in solitary confinement and subjected to high-pressure interrogation. Some are said to have sustained injuries during their arrest or to be in need of urgent medical attention.
In addition, a large security presence was reportedly deployed around Khosrow Alikordi’s grave to prevent any gatherings.
The Observatory strongly condemns the arbitrary arrest and detention of Javad Alikordi, which it considers to be direct reprisals for the peaceful exercise of his fundamental rights and his desire to shed light on his brother’s death.
The Observatory calls on the Iranian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Javad Alikordi, to guarantee his physical and psychological integrity, to respect his right to the assistance of a lawyer of his choice, and to put an end to all forms of harassment targeting lawyers, human rights defenders and the relatives of victims.
The Observatory fully supports the joint statement by Lawyers for Lawyers regarding concerns raised by the death of Iranian lawyer Khosrow Alikordi and the persecution of lawyers in Iran.
The Observatory reminds the Islamic Republic of Iran of its commitments under international law, in particular the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, ratified in 1975:
– Article 9: “Everyone has the right to liberty and security of person. No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention. No one shall be deprived of his liberty except on such grounds and in accordance with such procedure as are established by law”.
– Article 21: “The right of peaceful assembly shall be recognized. No restrictions may be placed on the exercise of this right other than those imposed in conformity with the law and which are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of national security or public safety, public order (ordre public), the protection of public health or morals or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others”.
Furthermore, the Observatory urges the Islamic Republic of Iran to comply with the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers.
The Observatory will continue to monitor this situation with the utmost attention.
